“It’s going to have a completely different look,” said Merkel, who’s been working from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. since purchasing Mr. B’s. “(Customers) will be amazed at what we’ve done in a week.”

Merkel hired 15 new workers Thursday and planned on hiring 25 more Friday to double the number of his employees to 80. He also purchased new uniforms for employees and is outfitting the kitchen staff with chef coats.

Alexis Klask, a returning server who initially expressed frustration because employees were kept in the dark on the buyout by Mr. B's management, said returning employees have been more at ease with the ownership change since meeting with Merkel on Wednesday.